Tensioning Device Sliding Brake for Pipe String Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tensioning devices for pipe strings in trenchless installation require manual detachment and reattachment, are space-intensive, and suffer from elongation issues with flexible chains or cables, necessitating frequent adjustments and long traction member lengths.

Innovation Solution

A sliding brake mechanism that self-locks in one direction using tension force, allowing the tensioning device to move autonomously along the traction element, combined with a string of rods for length adjustment and form-fitting connections, enabling easy addition of new pipe sections without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a cable or chain is used as a flexible traction member to accommodate vertical cylinder disposition, then the tensioning device can be compact, but the traction member undergoes significant length extension under high tension forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupation of tensioning deviceVSAvoidlength extension of traction member

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the flexible cable or chain with a rigid or semi-rigid traction element (such as a rod or telescopic structure) that can transmit tensile forces without significant elongation. This substitution eliminates the length extension problem while maintaining the compact vertical arrangement of hydraulic cylinders, as the rigid traction element can be accommodated within the same space constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the tensioning device is moved manually to add new pipe sections, then the device structure can be simple, but the operation becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of tensioning deviceVSAvoidease of moving tensioning device

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a self-propulsion mechanism that enables the tensioning device to move autonomously along the traction element without manual intervention. The device uses its own drive system (such as a motor-driven wheel or crawler) to travel along the traction element, automatically positioning itself for the next pipe section installation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual handling while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tensioning device is detached and reattached frequently to add pipe sections, then the pipe string can be extended incrementally, but the productivity decreases due to repeated operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add pipe sectionsVSAvoidspeed of pipe string assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the tensioning device with a preliminary positioning and attachment mechanism that prepares the device for the next operation in advance. The device maintains continuous contact with the traction element through a guided engagement system, allowing pipe sections to be added by simply extending the traction element rather than fully detaching and reattaching the device. This preliminary preparation of the attachment interface significantly reduces the time required for each pipe section addition while maintaining the ability to extend the pipe string incrementally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates automatic movement and detachment of the tensioning device from the traction element, reduces space requirements, and minimizes elongation issues, allowing for efficient and streamlined pipe string assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a sliding brake which engages the traction element in one direction in a self-locking manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Self-locking, which causes a fixation of the sliding brake on the traction element, is effective in this operative position in one direction only and is triggered and maintained by the tension force of the tensioning drive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS8231307B2System and method for tightening string sections to form a string

Publication Date: 2012.07.31 TRACTO TECHN

AI summary

A tensioning device in particular for bracing string sections of a string includes a traction element, which extends between an abutment and an adapter on the rear end of the string. A linear tensioning device is arranged in parallel relationship to the string for applying the tension force. A sliding brake engages the traction element in a self-locking manner in sole response to a tensile load applied by the linear tensioning drive to thereby allow the tensioning device to move on its own in a direction on the traction element.